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The case of the feuding neighbours that led to the shooting of a stray St. Bernard is now in the hands of a Saskatoon judge who heard closing arguments on both sides of the question Wednesday.

Eugene Krawchuk, 59, was charged with careless use of a firearm and the unlawful killing of a dog, and related charges, following an episode in April of 2013. His wife, Laurie Krawchuk, is also before the court accused of unlicenced possession of a firearm.

Lianne Price with her St. Bernard, Bentley. (Courtesy: Fiona Price)

The dog, an eight-month old St. Bernard, belonged to the Price family, neighbours of the Krawchuks in the rural municipality of Grant, near Vonda, Sask., about 50 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. The Krawchuks have six horses, a llama, a donkey and an alpaca-cross.

Court heard that the dog, Bentley, ran into a pasture owned by the Krawchuks and that Lianne Price, then 16, was also on the land trying to coax the dog back.

According to the Crown prosecutor's presentation, Krawchuk — who saw the dog and retrieved his rifle — aimed over the girl's head and fired, killing the dog.

The Krawchuk's lawyer, however, said the shooting was done in a safe way and for a valid reason.

"The dog had commenced chasing and harassing their horses," defence lawyer Patrick McDougall told the court in his final presentation. "[Krawchuk] was justified in protecting his animals."

McDougall also told the judge about case law, from as far back as 1915, where Saskatchewan courts have said a farmer is within his rights to not have to wait for an attack before shooting a stray dog on his property.

"The Price dog was in the pasture for between ten and 15 minutes before it was destroyed," McDougall added. "Mr. Krawchuk was very careful in the manner in which he handled the rifle and used the rifle."